From the Salish tribes that dot the coast, to the Evergreen students that dot the bars, the city of Olympia is unique. With its temperate climate, beautiful mountains, nearby ocean and lush forests, people are drawn to Olympia's natural beauty.  And with its cultural hub of creativity, from up-and-coming musicians to artists and burlesque, people are drawn to Olympia's sparkle and nightlife. And, with an eye on local sustainability and creativity in the kitchen, Olympia offers plenty of delicious eats to keep you exploring. Perhaps best of all, it is all available within the heart of a historic downtown.

FRIDAY

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1. Sitting on the Dock of the Bay

Take a stroll down Olympia's waterfront walkway, Percival Landing, to view the beauty of the Olympic Mountain Range and take in the sights of the Sound. Start your journey at the southernmost tip of the Puget Sound, next to the statue of kissing lovers. Make your way down the .9-mile-long boardwalk, which has places for resting and soaking in the view as well as art sculptures and historical markers, like the history of the Salish tribes and the culture of oyster harvesting. Starfish, seals and seagulls will likely be spotted along the walk, which ends at the Olympia Farmers Market, a great place to pick up hand-made wares by local artisans or enjoy a snack of fresh fruit, baked goods or a cup of clam chowder.

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2. Dinner, Family Style

One of Olympia's quaintest restaurants is also its finest. Duck into Trinacria Ristornate Italiano for a true Italian experience. You will recognize the restaurant by its steamy front windows and Italian regalia painted on the side of the building. Owner and Chef Eugenio will happily serve you house-made pasta specialties, served traditionally, with salad last. Wine and conversation flow at this cozy spot along Capitol Way. Reservations are recommended. This place is so old-school that it doesn't even have a website. 113 Capitol Way N., 360.352.8892

FULL MOON RADIO: The high-energy rock band can be found in downtown Olympia. Photo credit: Winter Teems

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3. Rock 'n' roll fantasy

Olympia is no stranger to the music scene. Kurt Cobain, the riot grrrl movement and more have stemmed from this lush little town. On any given weekend, there will be music happening in the core of this city, which is rich in nightlife. Pop into any bar along Fourth Avenue or Capitol Way, and if there is no music, the bartender will know where to send you. And while many bands fall under the category of "rock," there are plenty out there that incorporate blues, jazz, fusion, rap and more that just might surprise you. Keep your eyes and ears open, and you will surely get a taste of what Olympia's music scene stands for: heart, soul and not giving a shit if your mom thinks you should get a real job.

MIDNIGHT

4. Late Night Munchies

After finding a live band and perhaps even getting loose on the dance floor, appetites that need to be fed will find their solace at King Solomon's Reef, where you can grub on classic bar food with a twist like Tot-Chos, (tater tots and all the fixin's, $7.95) or try the best fried chicken and waffles you've ever had, brine-soaked and pressure cooked for that oh-so-crispy skin ($8.95). 212 Fourth Ave., 360.742.3199

SATURDAY

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5. I Don't Think We're in Kansas Anymore

Breakfast options are aplenty downtown, but taste Darby's Café, where the unique menu has been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, (try the Oysters Creole, $12.99). Boasting a display of hot sauces and Wizard of Oz memorabilia, the atmosphere is unique, too. Don't forget to order coffee, which will be sustainably sourced by local roasters, Batdorf and Bronson. 211 Fifth Ave. SE, 360.357.6229

PSYCHIC SISTER: Shop for clothing and your future. Photo credit: Winter Teems

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6. Discover your Destiny and Find a Cute Blouse

Olympia's Psychic Sister is one of those places that shout Olympia charm. With so many cute vintage or hand-sewn clothes to browse, including an uber-cheap sidewalk sale rack, it's a pleasure to shop. Plus, the store offers an array of psychics to read your tarot cards, palm or mind. Other shopping is available in the same avenue, from an indie record store and indoor upscale promenade to hippie shops and jewelry stores. 109 Fifth Ave. SE, 360.943.9595

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7. Sip ‘n' snack

Step into a lively atmosphere of hops and eats at downtown Olympia's premiere brewpub, Fish Tale Brew Pub - the offshoot of Fish Brewing Company. From 14 beers on tap - made right across the street - to oyster po'boys and Portabella burgers ($10.95 each), your palette will have fun with the selection at Fish Tale, the oldest brewpub in town. 515 Jefferson St. SE, 360.943.3650

DILLINGER'S COCKTAILS AND KITCHEN: It feels like the 1930s inside. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

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8. Step into the '20s

Prohibition-era meets the present at Dillinger's Cocktails and Kitchen speakeasy that brings the art of the cocktail and the art of atmosphere into one historic space - inside a bank. The classy joint, which opened in February and is becoming a fast favorite of locals, serves up oldies such as the Boulevardler, (Bourbon, Campari, Sweet Vermouth served up, $8) and dinners such as a Portuguese burger (served with fingerling potatoes, ($9). 404 Washington St., 360.515.0650

JASON HAWS: The Olympia actor will make you cry. Photo credit: Winter Teems

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9. Stage Presence

Choose from one of four performance venues in the core of downtown: Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Harlequin Productions, Midnight Sun Performance Space or Capitol Theater. Comedy, live theater, world-class dance and more come through these venues, but for a taste of Olympia style, keep an eye out for a burlesque troupe performance. Rock Candy and TUSH! have frequent shows, so out-of-towners have a good chance of catching the action. The ladies are always coming up with creative costumes and new concepts - from sparkly bongs and pot-leaf pasties to classy glove-stripping and bootie fans, the girls know how to impress.

Bonus: If you are in town the first Wednesday of the month, check out the trapeze and aerialist artists that perform for free at The Brotherhood Lounge, 8 p.m.